Hit-and-run van driver kills girl as she walks home

A teenage girl was killed and her friend seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver as they walked home from a night out.

Natalie Glasgow, a 17-year-old hairdressing student, died early yesterday from the injuries she sustained after she and Stephanie Taylor, 16, were struck by a van in a lane close to their homes in Loughton, Essex.

The pair had been to a music night in a nearby pub on Sunday when the accident happened. The van drove off, leaving both girls lying at the side of the road.

It was found abandoned less than a mile away yesterday morning.

Natalie died in Whipps Cross Hospital, east London, where Stephanie, who attended the same school and then college as her friend, was in serious but stable condition last night.

Paul Glasgow, 44, Natalie's father, issued a statement on behalf of the family which said: "Natalie lived with us and her two brothers, aged nine and 12, at our home.

She went to Roding Valley School and then to Harlow College, where she was studying for a GNVQ in hairdressing.

"Natalie was a fun-loving girl who enjoyed music and films. She was very well liked with a large circle of friends. She was best friends to her mum. She will be sadly missed by all her family."

The two girls were walking down Earls Path, a road which has no footpath, when they were struck from behind by the van.

According to a witness, the driver paused before moving off, leaving the pair of teenagers at the side of the road.

Friends of the girls laid floral tributes and cards at the scene yesterday afternoon.

A schoolfriend Lyndsey Mitchell, 17, said: "Natalie was a really lovely girl. She was always very friendly and, if you needed to talk, she would always be there for you.

"She was very caring and always listened and you could be really open with her about anything. Stephanie and Natalie were very close.

"They were good friends. We are all very shocked and still numb about what has happened. It's horrible."

Last night, a 27-year-old man was being questioned by Essex detectives after reporting to a police station and being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving